WASHINGTON, D.C., October 11, 2024 — Solutions for Information Design, Inc. (SOLID) and The Manufacturing Institute (MI), with support from Walmart.org, are leading a groundbreaking initiative that’s reshaping how employers recognize military experience—a project that has already impacted over 600 veterans in the past year, awarding more than 2,400 digital badges that certify their skills and competencies. Through the Manufacturing Readiness Project, hosted on the Map My Future (MMF) platform, SOLID has developed a model that translates military-acquired skills into competencies that are recognized by employers in the manufacturing industry.
Map My Future allows military-connected individuals to present their qualifications in a way that civilian employers can easily understand—through verifiable, interoperable digital badges—facilitating simpler transitions into in-demand roles and paving the way for a new era of workforce readiness for service members and veterans.
By moving beyond traditional resumes to focus on validated skills, the project will allow employers to more effectively identify qualified candidates and accelerate the hiring process. For the military community, it presents a clear path to meaningful employment in the manufacturing sector and beyond. As Gardner Carrick, Vice President of The Manufacturing Institute notes, “This project is about more than simply matching military skills to jobs—it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where veterans can thrive long after their service. By making their skills easily recognized and understood by employers, we’re helping veterans transition smoothly into meaningful careers in manufacturing and demonstrating this solution for other industries.”
What’s Next: Expanding the Model for Greater Impact
Building on the project’s success so far, the next phases will focus on scaling this model to reach even more veterans and employers across a range of industries and achieve widespread adoption of Learning and Employment Records (LERs) and digital badges aligned with 1EdTech open standards, scaling and sustaining these efforts within the broader skills-based hiring ecosystem. Over the next two years, key developments will include:
- Expanded Military Learning and Employment Record (LER): Launching a downloadable, interoperable military LER will allow veterans to share a comprehensive record of their military-acquired skills that is easily transferable to civilian settings. For more information on LERs, visit: https://www.t3networkhub.org/ler-toolkit
- Broader Scope of Digital Badges: Introducing badges beyond manufacturing, expanding into areas like logistics, leadership, and Heroes Make America’s SkillBridge program to offer more pathways for veterans.
- Enhanced Technology Integration: Improved interoperability with digital wallets and state systems (e.g., Alabama Talent Triad) will ensure that the military LERs and badges can be widely accepted, allowing jobseekers greater access to employment opportunities.
A New Era for Workforce Readiness
The Manufacturing Readiness Project is creating a blueprint for the future of skills-based hiring, not just for the military-connected community but for the workforce as a whole. By demonstrating how digital badges and interoperable technology can bridge skills gaps, the project opens up new opportunities for jobseekers and establishes a more inclusive and efficient hiring process.
As the project continues to evolve, SOLID and The Manufacturing Institute are committed to fostering long-term sustainability for these tools. “By building a sustainable framework for Manufacturing Readiness badges, we’re ensuring veterans have continued access to these vital tools. The Map My Futureplatform is not just a tool for employment; it’s a gateway to meaningful connections between veterans, employers, and the skills-based hiring community,” says Lauren Runco Bevilacqua, Vice President of Innovation, Strategy, and Delivery for SOLID.
With the launch of the Map My Future platform, the project is set to become a cornerstone of military-to-civilian transitions, empowering service members and veterans and transforming industries that rely on a skilled, adaptive workforce.
About SOLID
SOLID, an employee-owned small business with 20 years of experience, provides policy research, analysis, and IT services to strengthen career pathways and improve workforce communication. As labor demands evolve, SOLID develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of a dynamic talent market, with a focus on the military-connected population. With deep expertise in credentialing, SOLID is a recognized thought leader, driving groundbreaking workforce development initiatives nationwide.
About Map My Future
Map My Future (MMF)is a comprehensive career planning tool designed to help individuals explore, evaluate, and plan their career paths based on their unique skills, interests, and experiences. For more information about how MMF can support your skills-based hiring goals, please contact solutions@solidinfodesign.com.
About The Manufacturing Institute The Manufacturing Institute builds a resilient manufacturing workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Through implementing groundbreaking programs, convening industry leaders, and conducting innovative research, the MI furthers individual opportunity, community prosperity and a more competitive manufacturing industry. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions to address the toughest workforce issues.